Letting Colleges Down Gently: What to do when you’ve made your final college decision

It is never easy telling someone no. With technology options these days, it makes it easier to communicate that message. Word of advice though: don’t use Facebook or Twitter to break the news to the admission counselor you have been working with all year.

As a college admission counselor, I advise my students to keep me informed of where they are in their college search. I encourage every student to stay in contact with the admission counselors he or she is working with. While it can be difficult to “let someone down” by telling them you will not be going to their college, I promise you, our feelings will not be hurt. It shows your maturity when you are kind enough to let us know your college plans.

If the college does not have a formal form or online survey to cancel your application, I advise you to do one of the following to communicate your post-high school plans:
1. Email the admission counselor you have been working with at that school
2. Mail a typed letter to the school’s admission office
3. Call the admission counselor or office

I know it can be difficult or uncomfortable making a phone call, and that’s fine. An email or a letter will suffice and still shows your consideration.

Some schools will do a mass cancel of active applications of those students they have not heard from. If you need more time to make your final college decision, I encourage you to reach out to the school you are still considering to inform them.

Take a few moments to draft a simple message stating your college plans, including where you are going and what the deciding factors were in selecting that school. This information is helpful for the admission office’s recruitment report.

Good luck to all the seniors choosing their alma maters!

Written by Nicole Martinez. Nicole is an associate director of undergraduate admission at Valparaiso University. Read more from Nicole at theadmissioncounselornextdoor.blogspot.com